Crisis Continues In Wilpattu Wild Life Park

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Four leading environmental associations had charged Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen illegally for clearing 18,000 acres of forest land belonging to leading wildlife parks in three districts, The Center for Environmental justice, the Environment Conservation Trust, the Sri Lanka Environment Congress and the Buddhist Collective for Nature states the Minister had cut down trees in forest reserves at 14 locations in the districts of Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu. Center for Environmental Justice Executive Director Hemantha Vithanage said the forests have been cleared violating the Environmental Act. Mr. Vithnage said the resettlement of internally displaced persons was completed in 2012 but the forests were being cleared under the guise of making room for re-settling people.

Meanwhile Environmentalist Ravindra Kariyawasam said that 04 acres has been cleared now by the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen. Kariyawasam said that this process was exhausting and the results have been received and the source of drinking water is at risks for the people in villages near the forest. He further states that the clearance was carried out without any environmental approval adorned and points out that because of the forest clearance  elephants in Eluwankulama also at a risk that the reserve entrance.

Speaking to Media Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said he would resign if anyone could prove allegations that he caused damage to the Wilpattu and Madhu sanctuary and resettled people within the sanctuary boundaries. “There were numerous reports which state that I have given land to families within the Wilpattu National Park. There were displaced people who were temporarily resettled in adjacent villages. I have no power to give land to anyone. I challenge anyone to prove these allegations. If proven, I will resign from my Ministerial post,” he said.